Ragoutsaria of Kastoria
If you find yourself in Kastoria at the beginning of the year, you will experience its biggest and most explosive celebration first hand: the Ragoutsaria, the famous Kastorian Carnival. From January 6 to 8, the city transforms into a vast, colorful fair. The streets fill with groups of masked revelers who pour out dancing and spreading cheer, while the sounds of brass instruments and drums fill the air. The peak comes with the Pateritsa, the grand carnival parade on January 8, which culminates in Dolcho, gracing the Emmanouil Brothers Square with endless dancing and music. The custom is quite old, as behind its joy lie Dionysian roots in ancient rituals meant to appease the spirits of nature. Taking part in Kastoria’s Ragoutsaria is unforgettable—it is a unique experience to become part of such a long-standing tradition.
When: January 6–8
